Planning your next Product Launch
A product launch is a great marketing move for any business wanting to get their new product out there and create interest. Take for example the buzz that big companies like Apple and Samsung create for their product launches. They’re huge, classy and cool events that can rake in millions of dollars.
This is because they know how to launch a product and they already have an established name in their industry. How about small, medium and large businesses devoid of the apple logo? How do you strategise, create excitement, attract audience and generate awe during your product launch?
It’s as simple as highlighting the day and the event together with the product. It’s about creating one event that can create impact offline and online. How?
Planning the launch
Generating brand awareness across platforms and channels is a must for any corporation or business planning to launch a new product. This means posting on social media, hinting at what is in store for the future. Get your audience talking about you.
To increase your odds of getting noticed, let’s focus on the planning of the day itself - the venue, the food and the atmosphere. This should all be planned before you start talking about the product launch on social media or in email newsletters.
Use the venue to entice your audience
The event venue can make or break the atmosphere you want to create for your product launch. While many product launch events would suit an on-site atmosphere (in the company office or business place), holding an off-site event can add a sense of gravitas and more people are likely to be interested in attending if it isn’t being held at their regular 9 to 5 office.
Venues create impact. Choose one that can fit your ideal number of guests and consider one which will complement your brand’s goal. Here’s two of our top recommendations for product launches: Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School and Harbour 220.
Cell Block Theatre
The cathedral-like space of this venue is amazing and hard to find elsewhere. It’s historical and interesting. The venue also has an entertaining space outside, so your guests don’t have to be confined to the interior when it’s time to mingle and look around. Accommodating up to 350 for a cocktail event inside and an additional 400 for the courtyard, this venue is perfect for memorable product launches.
Find more information about Cell Block Theatre here.
Harbour 220
Harbour 220 on the other hand is an exclusive venue that suits a highly sophisticated atmosphere. This venue boasts impressive view and is well suited for an elegant product launch. It can be a venue for cocktails or even sit down dinners for up to 100 guests.
Find more information about Harbour 220 here.
Remember, these are just two gorgeous venues you can choose from. For other recommendations go to our list of stunning and functional venues here.
Choosing the right food and beverage
The dilemma with product launches is that cocktail and sit down dinner events both work. It all depends on what kind of atmosphere you are going for.
A cocktail product launch encourages more socialisation and can feel more casual than a sit down dinner. After all, you need guests to move about and talk about your product right? You can come up with an impressive cocktail menu by asking your caterers for recommendation. Pairing drinks with delicious hors d'oeuvres will keep guests interested throughout the event.
A sit down dinner product launch can feel more refined, and this means the event must have great food whether it’s platters or a three course meal. Your product demonstration or announcement might come in between meals, and there should be a signature drink you and your caterer have chosen for the event to compliment the meal.
Creating the right atmosphere
Create the right atmosphere with a theme. If your product launch is for a new tech gadget or software, use cool blue lighting and matching minimalist decor. If your product launch is for a new series of fashion items, play popular music and make sure the venue is bright enough to show off your product. Most importantly, accommodate your guests like royalty and they’ll never forget your product launch.
Check out our drinks menu for more ideas
